Time is up for hereditary peerages

Is it right that in the 21st century 92 people, of which 91 are men, still sit in Parliament to speak, vote and act simply on the basis of who their ancestors were?

Is it right that elections, when held for vacancies to those 92 positions, can involve as few as three voters choosing a member of parliament?

For the situation today is just that – 92 hereditary peers are still left in the House of Lords.

Should we allow that situation to continue or is it time for change? Quite simply it’s not sustainable.

House of Lords reform may not be at the forefront of public discord, but it continues to be an issue that generates a huge amount of debate in Parliament and for good reason. Every politician has an opinion, if not several, on what we should do with this aspect of our uncodified constitution. But it is seemingly impossible to secure agreement.